Make a French braid

Gather loose hair into a braid that follows your head, then hangs freely from the nape. Choose it when you want the upper layers contained as well as the lengths.

Hands-on time (estimate): 8–20 min
Waiting time: None.

When to use it

A French braid adds loose side sections to a three-strand braid, creating a plait that follows the head before continuing down the lengths.

When detangled loose hair is long enough to cross comfortably and you can reach the back of your head with both hands.

Loose hair that reaches between the sections without tugging; straight, wavy, curly or coily patterns may retain their own texture.

Before you start

Do not tighten the braid to catch short hairs. Leave them free or use a comfortable clip.
Undo the style if it pulls, stings or hurts. Do not braid over a sore or irritated area.

What you’ll need

Clean hands
A soft, fabric-covered hair tie

Make it work for you

Check the situations below before you begin, then follow the steps with those adjustments in mind.

Short layers escape

Leave them outside the braid

Do not pull the working sections tighter to catch them. A smooth clip can hold a loose section if it sits comfortably.

Your arms tire

Practice a smaller front section

Use the same crossings where you can see and reach. Release the attempt rather than holding an uncomfortable position.

Step by step

STEP 1 OF 3
Start three sections
- Detangle first using your usual gentle method. Sit upright with a soft hair tie within reach; use a stable mirror if helpful.
- Lift a small crown section and split it into three. Keep the remaining hair loose; hold the strands separately between your fingers.
- Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left over the new middle. Keep your grip near the crossing without pulling the roots.
STEP 2 OF 3
Add hair with each crossing
- Hold the three strands in one hand long enough to gather a small loose section from the right with your other hand.
- Join it to the right strand and cross that strand over the middle. Swap your grip, add loose hair on the left, and cross over again.
- Alternate sides down to your nape. Keep separate fingers between the strands and release any snags before continuing.
STEP 3 OF 3
Secure and release gently
- Once no loose side hair remains, continue crossing the outer strands over the middle without adding more hair.
- Bring the free braid over a shoulder if it reaches comfortably. Fasten the end with a soft tie; check that your head turns freely.
- To take it down, remove the tie and separate the crossings upward from the end with your fingers. Put away the tie and loose tools.